Kathleen A. (McGowan) Hedrick

Kathleen A. (McGowan) Hedrick

May 27, 1942 – August 6, 2025

Kathleen McGowan was born in Long Beach, California on May 27, 1942, and moved to Omaha when she was a very young girl.  Her family eventually settled into their home on Fontenelle Blvd in Holy Name Parish…. As did several other McGowan families.

Although not very outgoing, she was always friendly and enjoyed having several life-long friends.  While attending a dance at Holy Angels parish in 1958, she met Dan Hedrick from Sacred Heart High School.  While there were no immediate signs of a potential “relationship” they became very close friends and within a few months began dating with Dan getting the better part of “the deal.”  This relationship continued for three years while Dan was in the Navy. In 1962, Kathy moved out to San Francisco for 6 months so she and Dan could spend time together when he was on leave.  San Francisco always held a very special place in their hearts, and they would return to the city by the bay many times over the years.  They were married on November 3, 1962, at Holy Name Church.

Although Kathy was quiet at times, she would surprise friends and family with some good “zingers.”  One zinger that consistently raised some eyebrows was her suggestion to “just torch it” if there was something that ticked her off. (Thankfully, there is no evidence that she actually torched anything).  She was not known for being subtle…. sometimes suggesting to guests that it “looks like a storm is brewing” to hint that it’s time to leave.  She was also known to laugh so hard that she would start crying…. especially with her sister, Patty.

She initially worked at the family’s cereal company and the Goodyear plant in Lincoln while Dan attended UNL under the GI Bill.  She later went on to work as a bookkeeper at Plains Purchasing and enjoyed it there for many years until she retired.  She was an active member of the “Marthas” a group that provides and serves funeral lunches at Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish.  Kathy always enjoyed serving others even when she was a guest at family or friend gatherings. She would rather serve than be served.

One trait that she had was her dislike for greeting cards that she felt were “too expensive”.  This put pressure on Dan as he had to design a very personal card with photos, meaningful writings for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Of course, family and friends were a very big part of her life…. family dinners, birthdays, and holidays …and just any excuse to get together.  Traveling with family and friends were also high on her list…. vacations in Miltona, Minnesota, Longboat Key, Florida, California, Ireland, Italy, England and cruises with friends, etc.

Kathy and Dan were married for over 62 years and were blessed with four children….Kelly, Keri, Traci and Scott, two sons-in-law, Mario and Raul and daughter-in-law Stephanie  and eight grandchildren…. Kate, Michael, Maggie, Annmarie, Will, Charlie, Meredith and Evie.

Though she was very unassuming, she made a great impact on her family, friends and anyone who was fortunate enough to get to know her.  She will be greatly missed.

This was a life well lived.

Vigil Service: Tuesday, August 26th, 6pm at West Center Chapel with family receiving friends from 4-6pm.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, August 27th, 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church (11802 Pacific Street). 

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler

West Center Chapel

7805 West Center Road

Omaha, Ne 68124

(402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com